Kerala govt approves use of dredged soil from Vembanad Lake for NH 66 improvement in Alappuzha

The removing of silt from the lake is predicted to extend the water-holding capability of the waterbody. (file picture)
| Picture Credit score: H. VIBHU

The Kerala authorities has granted permission to make use of dredged soil from Vembanad Lake for the event of Nationwide Freeway (NH) 66 in Alappuzha district.

Dredging can be carried out on a 3.2- km stretch of the lake close to Punnamada. The hydrographic survey wing has already earmarked the realm. The soil eliminated can be dropped at the shore utilizing jhankars. Plastic and different undesirable supplies can be eliminated earlier than the soil is used for filling functions on the Thuravoor-Paravoor stretch of the nationwide freeway.

“We plan to start dredging the lake within the coming days. The supply of soil will expedite the development work,” stated an official of KCC Buildcon Firm, entrusted with the event of the Thuravoor-Paravoor stretch.

The federal government has permitted the extraction of soil as much as a depth of three metres within the lake. A scarcity of soil had adversely affected the event of the NH stretch.

In 2024, the federal government allowed using dredged soil from Ashtamudi Lake for the widening of NH 66 south of Paravoor.

The removing of silt from the lake is predicted to extend the water-holding capability of the waterbody. A examine revealed in 2023 by the Centre for Aquatic Useful resource Administration and Conservation, Kerala College of Fisheries and Ocean Research (Kufos), revealed that the water retention capability of the waterbody has been lowered by 85.3%. From 2,617.5 million cubic metres in 1990, the capability lowered to 384.66 million cubic metres in 2020.

Warning in opposition to deep-bottom dredging

Consultants assist eradicating silt from the higher strata of the waterbody however warning in opposition to deep-bottom dredging. They warn that deep dredging might result in salination. “Silt needs to be faraway from the lake. It needs to be executed in blocks utilizing grabs and never by heavy dredgers,” stated Okay.G. Padmakumar, director, Worldwide Analysis and Coaching Centre for Beneath Sea Degree Farming (IRTCBSF), Kuttanad.

In a press release issued right here, Nel Karshaka Samrekshana Samiti (NKSS) stated that dredging Vembanad Lake would have far-reaching penalties for each the waterbody and native residents.

“Eradicating soil from the lake utilizing dredgers will adversely have an effect on paddy cultivation within the Kuttanad area. Vembanad Lake, which is a lifeline for numerous inland fishers, clam collectors, and farmers, shouldn’t be subjected to deep dredging. The federal government ought to conduct a complete social influence evaluation earlier than dredging the lake,” stated NKSS normal secretary Soneychan Pulinkunnu.